Tyler Graduated!

This has been a very eventful week for Tyler. We enjoyed his seminary graduation, are planning his Eagle Court of Honor (more of that later), and enjoyed his High School Graduation.

 It's hard to believe we have two sons graduated now. 

How time flies!

Mother's Day

As always, my family spoiled me for Mother's day, starting with breakfast in bed from my husband just before he ran out the door for his first meeting. Followed by sweet Happy Mother's Day wishes from each of my children throughout the day. I think the thing I love about Mother's Day, is all the sweet homemade cards and gifts (I love each and every one of them so much!) as well as those that had so much thought behind them (like the dove chocolates my husband knows I LOVE).

*All my sweet gifts. And look...

I got new running shoes and socks!! YAY!!! (I was so tempted to wear them for the 5K the day before-more on that later.)*

*Love this pic. of Elder (Bryon) Alger. Isn't that amazing?!*

The biggest highlight of all, I have to say, was talking to Bryon on the phone clear in Japan. When a missionary is serving, there are only two times of the whole year they can call home. Christmas, and Mother's day. This makes those calls that much more precious. Just the sound of his voice was amazing! He was my first ever Mother's Day gift. I was in labor with him the whole day before having him at 3:55a.m. the next day. He has been a blessing and great example to each of his siblings that have followed. They miss him so much that it was really neat to hear each of them talk to him.

I'm so thankful for the wonderful blessings of a great family. It is amazing to be a Mother to such amazing children and wife to such a great and supportive husband. What a great gift our loving Father in Heaven has given to me!

Girl Time

There was a time when the Father and Sons outing would come along that I would bide my time alone. I never really thought it would be different, but fantasized having a couple girls to enjoy the night with. I just couldn't see the future. I wouldn't have been able to wait had I known that these two darlings would be a part of my life, making my girls' night alone so much more special.

We started out the night with a trip to the store and picked up this fun and princess girly tea set.

Then we went to the dollar store and picked up the girls' favorite treats:

And had a fun night including a tea party, nail painting and Barbie movie watching {not pictured, we were having to much fun to remember to take pix ;)}. 

It was the BEST "girl time" I've EVER HAD.

I look forward to more in the future!

In the Lord's Hands

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Mission Call!

Two Sundays ago, we were skyping with Bryon just before his final interview with his Stake President for his mission. That afternoon in church, he sent Steve a quick text saying that his papers were submitted and he would be getting his call in 10 days which would fall on Wednesday the 6th. Wednesday came and as we had prepared to Skype again for his call, he called early that day after the mail arrived to let us know that his call had not come. We were disappointed for him, but knew it would come by Friday. The following afternoon he called to tell us that his call had arrived and that having to work that evening, he would Skype us while he opened it when he got off. We expected him around 10:15-10:30 (Utah time), but being so excited, he asked to leave early. His boss let him and he called us almost exactly at 9:00 (Oregon time-10 Utah time). Immediately I asked him to hold up his envelope.  

We were all on the edge of our seats with anticipation! He was beaming as he sat in front of his laptop ready for the big reveal! We could hardly stand the suspense! His father being out of town was on the phone and all the noises you hear in the background come from both our family and around 20 or more of his dormitory friends. The one regret I have, is not catching the reaction of our family as he read the letter. 

Though it would have been logical for Bryon to go spanish speaking, it being so much a part of his life, having learned the language at 4 years of age and taking courses all through middle and High school, we are tickled with how fitting this call is for him! We know that the Lord knows him best. He knows his people best. He knows who can be touched by Bryon's testimony the most. This call is so fitting for Bryon and who he is. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity Bryon has to serve the Lord in teaching others about the blessings the gospel of Jesus Christ has to offer all of his children! We are so grateful for his desire and enthusiasm to serve. Before he got his call, he said he was willing to go anywhere the Lord would send him. We knew he was sincere. Before he got his call, we prayed that we would all be prepared for where he would serve. We know that the Lord was preparing us. The day he opened that call, 3 of us had an impression that he would serve in Japan, even though we had previously discussed the probability of his going to Brazil or Europe. I don't know how ready I am to send my boy of for two years without seeing him. But I know I am willing to let him go for the benefit of sharing the Gospel (good news of Christ) with others!
We are truly blessed to venture into this new segment of our lives!

My Sisters, My Friends

46 years ago today, a beautiful girl was born into the world. She was born to a couple that was excited for her birth, desired her happiness and joyed in her learning, growing and existence. 2 years later a miracle was performed. Another little girl was born to the same couple on the same day that the other was born. Not a common occurance, but enriching and fulfilling. Not by accident. These two girls grew and blossomed and tread the way for 4 younger siblings along the way of life's journey.

They've taught, through their examples, how to love fiercly, bear trials faithfully, conquer the seemingly unconquerable, laugh heartily, bear with longsuffering and diligence many of life's greatest challenges, and by so doing enriched many lives along the way. That journey is not complete, and still has many of life's everydays to experience, no matter how mundain or joyful. Some day, when their work on this earth is through, and the Lord looks into their faces and smiles, He will proclaim, "you've fought a good fight, you've lived faithfully and taught loveingly. Your work is done, thou good and faithful servant." I have no doubt that this will be. I know them better than most. I am blessed to call them my sisters.

We Call Her Fizzy

Michael turned NINE this year. I know. Where did the time go?

We had planned a big "bey-blading" party with lots of friends, food, and games.

                                     But In the end, Michael opted for something he's wanted much more.

                                                                                more than cake...

                                                           or any other gift he could recieve.

he wanted a new friend.

                                                       One he could hold, love, and take car of,

                                                                      and watch for entertainment.

So we went down to the pet store. Bought all the supplies. And He chose his little friend. On the way home, he named her "Fizzy"...

And he's never regreted it.

Not ONCE.

And I'm glad.

Fizzy's a lucky hampster.

Off to Nursery

 Since Steve knew he would be out of town most of the month of October, he arranged with the church nursery leader to have Amy start going a few weeks earlier than the typical 18 mos. to relieve me for those couple of hours to enjoy my lessons. Sunday was her first day...

 She loved it! I have really enjoyed her blossoming personality these days. She is such a truly sweet treat.

Her ability to express herself has increased and she is learning and saying new words daily.

 Lately anytime I say "Good Girl", she repeats it. {I have reason to say this to her a lot.}

Our baby doll is growing up...

                             I'm not sure how I feel about this, so I'll just enjoy her in the meantime.

Change of Plans

Last Thursday, Bryon was voted into the Homecoming Court. What? Yeah, that's what he said! He came home rather surprised and skeptical. He thought his friends were pulling a prank on him. Surely it finally sunk in when he was called up to the stage at his school assembly on Friday. He came home telling me it was for real, donning the official, glorious sash:

*These first three pictures are at the game courtesy of Kate's family via facebook, so please excuse the blur ;).

The girl he was voted in with was Kate (on the right), a friend of his from school and seminary.

This turnout was completely baffling to him, especially since neither he NOR Kate were even planning on going to Homecoming at all and had other plans for Saturday night. We were laughing about it at home, creating extreme senarios in our conversations. After scrambling for a new plan, Bryon met up with some friends for the Friday night game:

{He's pictured here with Kate and her twin brother Zack, who was crowned King later that night}

 then showed up to the dance to fultill his courtly (is that a word?) duty. After the dance, he and his friends enjoyed a homecoming party at one of their houses...

and came home having had a good time, (even though it "inconvenienced" him a great deal to have to attend Homecoming) instead of playing some game on the town called "Commandos".

All in all, Bryon decided he was glad that he went to homecoming. Turns out the guy that arranged the whole game that night, went to homecoming instead too. 

Ahhh, the joys of High School!

For My Birthday

For my birthday I got to sleep in.

I woke up to a happy birthday kiss.

I recieved a special card.

I enjoyed many hugs.

I was surprised by a friend at the door who gave me a wonderful gift.

I read many wonderful cards, a lot of them homemade.

I was sung to at least 4 different times.

I made a wish and blew out candles. 

I was pleasantly surprised with hand picked flowers. (personal favorites)

I was delighted by giggles and squeals of delight. 

I had a creative cake and ice cream. 

I was  pampered with a back and foot rub. 

I stuffed myself with a great dinner and pie. 

I ate pizza and marveled at the enjoyment my children had in playing. 

I unwrapped a preasant.

I wiped tears away. 

I talked on the phone to many loved ones. 

I watched a fun chick flick after everyone was in bed.

I was showered with love.

I felt a piece of heaven at home. 

I was treated like a queen. 

If this is a glimpse into what it will be like being "over the hill",  I'm looking forward to the best years of my life surrounded with the best people in it that life has to offer.